Barcelona Chooses Anthony Gordon Over Rashford

Barcelona's sporting director Deco has shared why the club chose to sign Anthony Gordon instead of keeping Marcus Rashford on loan.

Rashford played on loan at Barcelona last season. He scored 14 goals and helped the team win La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Barcelona could have signed the England striker permanently for £30.3 million (€35 million) but decided not to.

Instead, Barcelona brought in Gordon from Newcastle United. The deal was worth over €80 million (£69.3 million). Deco said the decision was mainly about how well Gordon fits coach Hansi Flick’s playing style.

“We are extremely grateful to Rashford,” Deco stated. “He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony’s. His style fits with what the coach is looking for.”

Deco added that Barcelona wanted to bring more energy and intensity to their attack, especially when Raphinha was not playing.

“In the case of Gordon, we saw that he was one of the figures we needed,” he mentioned. “When Raphinha wasn’t on the pitch, the team lost energy and with him we could solve it.”

Deco explained that the club looked at many wingers before choosing Gordon. Flick played a key role in identifying the qualities they wanted.

“We needed more intensity. We analysed a lot of wingers,” Deco said. “But [Flick] was clear with what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there.”

Gordon has started well at Barcelona, with four assists in his first five games.

Barcelona has also begun the new La Liga season strongly. They have won all four of their matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just two.

For Deco, bringing in Gordon was more about finding a player that matches Flick’s vision for Barcelona than simply replacing Rashford.